Brazil expands driver’s license validity and adds automatic renewal for seniors
New federal regulations and CONTRAN resolutions overhaul Brazil’s Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH). Drivers under 50 now receive a validity period of up to 10 years, while those aged 50‑69 have a five‑year term and people 70 and older a three‑year term. The rules also introduce an automatic renewal option for motorists aged 50‑69 who are enrolled in the Registro Nacional Positivo de Condutores (RNPC) and have no point‑bearing infractions in the previous 12 months. Eligible drivers receive a free new CNH issuance, but must still cover mandatory medical and psychological exams.
The reforms affect the process for first‑time licences as well. Practical exams now allow parking in marked spots instead of traditional maneuvers, accept automatic‑transmission vehicles, and require a toxicology test. The digital CNH app lets candidates start the process, access theory material, track progress and receive digital documents, aiming to cut queues and reduce costs, with some fees waived for “good conduct” drivers. In the state of Maranhão, the changes have spurred a 23.5 % rise in practical driving tests, prompting Detran‑MA to hold mobile units in municipalities such as Balsas, Riachão and Nova Colinas to improve access.
Overall, the measures seek to lower bureaucracy, broaden access to licensing, and improve road safety across Brazil.